Bali’s future as a sustainable destination is being challenged by climate change, tourism pressure, and an energy system that still leans heavily on fossil fuels.
While national and global strategies are important, in Bali, some of the most promising solutions are coming from the ground up – through local innovators, community partnerships, and clean technology designed with real people in mind.
Two Bali-based startups, Volto Sea and Leastric, have received Rp100 million each in pilot funding from Matangi Bali – a clean energy initiative by New Energy Nexus Indonesia, in collaboration with CAST Foundation, IESR, and WRI Indonesia, under the umbrella of the Koalisi Bali Emisi Nol Bersih.
Both startups are piloting their solutions in Sanur, a coastal hub that’s becoming a focal point for the development of a Kawasan Ekonomi Khusus (KEK) – a designated special economic zone. As Sanur pushes for economic growth, the challenge is clear: how to balance investment with sustainability, and progress with preservation.
Fossil Fuel Dependence Persists
Despite Bali’s strong environmental narrative, the island remains largely dependent on fossil fuels. As of 2019, 69.7% of Bali’s electricity demand – roughly 1,320 MW – was supplied by local fossil fuel-based power generation, with around 30% met through coal-powered imports from East Java. In 2022, renewable energy contributed less than 2% of Bali’s total electricity mix. (Source: Global Energy Monitor Wiki)
This presents a significant challenge, particularly in high-consumption sectors such as tourism and transport.
Inspiring a Better Energy Management Approach in the Hospitality Industry
Leastric, an energy tech startup, is addressing inefficiencies in the tourism sector by implementing smart energy monitoring systems in hotels throughout Sanur. The system enables real-time tracking of electricity use, helps identify high-consumption devices, and generates carbon footprint reports.
“We believe efficiency is the gateway to sustainability. Our goal is to help businesses, especially those run by women, understand their energy use and make changes that are good for the planet and their bottom line.”
Beyond just numbers, Leastric’s solution supports hotels in preparing for the potential implementation of low-emission zones and environmental reporting requirements in Bali’s tourism districts.
Electrifying Transport in Bali
Meanwhile, Volto Sea is developing infrastructure to electrify transport along Bali’s southern coast. The startup is building dual battery systems and community charging stations that can support both fishing vessels and electric ground transport.
“Fishermen and local coastal operators are facing increasing fuel costs. We want to provide them with an alternative that is clean, affordable and can be managed independently by the community.”
Volto Sea has earned the backing of desa adat and BUPDA Desa Adat Intaran Sanur, giving their project both community relevance and institutional support.
Both startups approach reflects a vision of a just transition – one where technology is not imposed, but takes into account and co-develops it with its beneficiaries.
The Matangi Bali grants go beyond financial assistance. Both Leastric and Volto Sea will also receive mentorship from clean energy experts, access to strategic partnerships and follow-on funding opportunities, as well as support for project documentation and impact evaluation.
“We want to encourage real-world implementation of clean energy at the community level. Leastric and Volto Sea show that local solutions can have a direct impact, not just a symbolic one.”
If successful, these models could be replicated in other parts of Bali – especially in tourism-heavy and coastal regions like Ubud, Nusa Dua, or Nusa Penida.
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